The Northwestern State University cheerleading squad will compete at the Collegiate Cheerleading National Championship at Disney World in Orlando, Jan. 17-20. NSU will compete in the Division I – Large Co-Ed Category.

The team raised $11,000, with the help of NSU’s Student Government Association, to defray the costs of competition.

Dodson said the cheerleaders will be practicing just like any athletic team on campus during the semester break.

“The cheerleaders work year round supporting athletic teams, events and alumni at the university. The process to prepare for the competition is time consuming in that the cheerleaders are still required to cheer at all home games and events while doubling practice times and finding time to fundraise in order to make this goal possible,” said Amy Dodson, coach.

The competition will be broadcast on ESPN, which Dodson believes will draw more prospective students for tryouts next April.

To support the team with a monetary donation, go to northwesternalumni.com/cashgift.

Donors should designate that the gift is intended for the cheerleader account within the designated box.

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